An Interview With Eden Gold
For young adults, success is not tied to sticking to one path. Success is about having the courage to pivot when something no longer contributes to our growth. For a long time, leaving your job, switching careers or dropping side hustles was seen as a failure. Instead, we can celebrate those choices and see them as brave. Pivoting does not mean you’re uncertain; it’s a reflection of your growth and self-awareness. My generation is showing that there is strength in letting go of what makes us too comfortable and going for things that feel right, even if it’s hard.
In a world rapidly changing through technology, societal norms, and global challenges, a new generation of leaders is emerging. Ambitious young adults are not just aiming for traditional markers of success; they are redefining what it means to be successful. Beyond the corporate ladder and financial milestones, they prioritize impact, sustainability, and personal fulfillment. They are entrepreneurs, activists, scientists, and artists who are shaping the future with innovative ideas and actions. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ali Bianco.
Ali Bianco is the visionary CEO behind Pinks Products, a luxury cannabis brand redefining wellness and individuality with sustainable practices and innovative creations. Located in New York, Pinks Products is designed to promote a healthier lifestyle while empowering customers to feel their best. Guided by faith, integrity, and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, Bianco’s “Canna Couture” brand blends creativity and purpose into every endeavor.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about Future Leaders, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thank you so much for having me. I grew up with the mentality that I wanted to do better not only for myself but for those around me as well. Growing up in a place as busy and dynamic as New Jersey surrounded by people from all walks of life has taught me the importance of being able to adjust while staying true to myself to create an impact. I originally got my start as a waitress. My job wasn’t easy and most people can relate to this, but through waitressing, I’ve learned how to connect with people on a deeper level that I didn’t know was possible. I’ve learned how to actively listen to those around me and in turn that prepared me to get stronger at listening to the needs of a community.
When I first started thinking about how I wanted to run my business, I wanted to make sure that my company remained true to my values and who I am as someone who consumes cannabis. When I started smoking, I remember getting backlash from family members who were anti-cannabis. I remember having feelings of shame and guilt when I had to talk to them about smoking. I remember how hard it was trying to explain myself, but then I think about how consuming cannabis made me feel. Some days, I feel at peace, other days, I feel like I can take on the whole world, especially when I’m smoking with friends. With that said, I wanted my brand to make others feel good, just as much as it makes me feel good. So when I had the idea to create Pinks Products, I wanted to create a brand that makes consuming cannabis feel classy. I want my customers to be able to feel confident in knowing that when they purchase Pinks, they are purchasing something that will give them not only an elevated high but an elevated experience.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
When I was coming into the cannabis industry, I thought that it needed a serious “glow-up,” and I was determined to make that happen. I noticed very few cannabis brands that were women-owned, and I feel that we as women deserve to be celebrated within this industry. I love that I am able to tap into my femininity through my products. I want people to know that this is a women-owned and women-led brand. For example, my Rose Petal pre-rolls are designed to be bold and beautiful. They stand-out because they remind me of the beautiful women who inspire me in this industry, but also in my personal life. Understanding what my purpose is inside this industry has been the key to building a business that I genuinely have fallen in love with.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Have a strong sense of purpose, remain guided by faith, and be honest with others but do it with style and grace.
There will always be moments of uncertainty, but holding on to my faith has taught me patience, resilience and how to make thoughtful decisions even under pressure. If anything, I think being faithful and committed to my mission has made me a better businesswoman in my industry. Every time I see the fruits of my labor or I hear from a member of our Pinks family who loves what we are doing, I’m reminded that trusting the process and staying grounded in my faith and determination makes all the difference.
Honesty is non-negotiable for me, but when telling the truth, we want to make sure that we keep it cute. We are not in the business of lying or hurting anyone’s feelings. There are ways to run a business and remain true to yourself without having to sacrifice who you are and what you stand for. I’ve always believed in being transparent with our customers about what is going into our products and why we do things the way we do.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about how ambitious young adults are redefining success. How would you define success?
Success is about creating a life and career that makes sense for your values and passions while also positively affecting the world. Sure, hitting milestones in your career and achieving financial stability is important, but there is something about building something meaningful that reflects who you are and what you stand for that just speaks out to me more than anything else.
What makes Pinks so successful is that we are not only defined by the quality of our products, but we are measured by how true we are to our commitment to sustainability, community and innovation. We’re here to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. For young adults like me, defining success means that we are breaking away from old traditions and embracing new paths that prioritize authenticity, creativity and purpose. That’s the kind of success that I like to aim for.
How do you incorporate social responsibility and sustainability into your definition of success?
Every decision we make should reflect our commitment to protecting the planet. For me, success isn’t just about the numbers or recognition, it’s about creating something meaningful that has a positive impact. With Pinks, I wanted to ensure that everything we do is socially responsible and sustainable. We source our flower from Sugarhouse Farms, which is a cannabis cultivator in Cooperstown, New York, and we use recycled material for our product packaging.
Social responsibility also means fostering community and empowerment. Through our events and initiatives, my goal is to always inspire connection, self-expression, and well-being, especially for women and underrepresented groups in the cannabis industry. Knowing that Pinks is not only a brand, but a movement, is a success for me. We’re here to leave a legacy that extends beyond the products we create.
Can you describe a moment or decision that significantly redirected your path toward leadership?
There was a time that I was faced with making my family happy, or making myself happy. When they found out that I was going into the cannabis industry, they weren’t very excited to hear about that. It was hard to explain to them that this was something that I cared about. I hate disappointing anyone, but when it comes to me, I am going to prioritize anything that I think will bring me happiness. This moment taught me that the best way to lead any charge is by staying true to yourself. Choosing my own path, even with initial disapproval, lit a fire in me; I was fueled with conviction. I took their doubt and I turned it into motivation. One thing that I will always pride myself on is my ability to prove people wrong. That’s the spirit that is the fire behind Pinks.
What role do mentorship and community play in shaping your approach to leadership and success?
With working in the cannabis industry, I’ve seen how important mentorship and building a community here matters. I wasn’t entirely sure about how I’d fit into this community, but connecting with other women in this field has changed everything for me. They are approachable, offer advice and consistently remind me that I belong. Being in a community where my peers uplift and encourage me has been life-changing. It makes me feel so much more driven to work hard, not just for myself, but for the women who are going to come up after me.
I believe in this industry for many reasons, but the opportunities that it creates to build others up and make a real change is what keeps me faithful. I am so fortunate to have such a supportive network around me, it really has shown me the power of mentorship, and it inspires me to pay it forward in every way I can.
In what ways do you think your generation’s view of success differs from previous generations?
My generation approaches success with a fresh perspective, seeing it as a fluid and ever-changing concept rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all goal. Unlike previous generations that may have focused on traditional benchmarks like wealth, titles, or material possessions, we value adaptability and growth. Success, for us, isn’t about reaching a single milestone, it’s about constantly evolving, learning, and redefining what matters most at different stages of life. This mindset makes us open to new possibilities, unafraid to pivot when circumstances change, and willing to explore innovative paths. We prioritize working together, embracing diverse ideas and partnerships to achieve goals that have a meaningful impact, not just on our personal lives but also on society and the world. This ability to redefine success and align it with both personal fulfillment and collective progress is what sets our generation apart and gives our definition of success its transformative power.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success?”
1. Putting Mental Health First
Success is what you put your mind to, and it truly begins when you start taking care of your mind. Mental health is highly important to me because I believe it’s the foundation of how we go about our day. I’ve had moments where I’ve seen how badly ignoring my mental health has affected me, which is why it’s now one of the most important things to me. At any event that I host, I believe it is important for me to check in with my guests. I want my customers who aren’t able to attend my events to feel the same way as well. I love connecting with my customers through social media, it makes me feel good to hear the thoughts of the people who support me and I want them to know that I am their biggest supporter too.
With young adults, I think we realize how important it is to have these conversations and to check up on one another. It feels like we are doing so well with being able to set boundaries and stepping away from toxic environments. I want everyone to know that it is okay to take a break, it’s okay to step away. I want to encourage everyone to take time for themselves and enjoy life, especially when you feel like you need a moment to do so.
I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s strategic and smart when taken advantage of. A few years ago, I was at a point in my life where I was trying to do everything at once, and it really left me drained and uninspired. Taking a step back and giving myself permission to rest led me to where I am today. I am so happy to see that we are at a place in time where rest days are being taken seriously. This has been a long time coming; I feel like we as young adults have really taken initiative in advocating for mental health to be taken seriously in the workplace. We have grown to understand how to choose joy unapologetically. For me, I’ve learned that valuing my self-care days has taught me that self-care isn’t just about having spa days — even though I love them! Self-care will always be about slowing down, recharging yourself and stepping away from things that no longer serve you. Advocating for balance and setting boundaries is how we’re reshaping the way that self-care and productivity can co-exist.
2. Success Means Authenticity over Approval
When I was growing up, success sounded like a straightforward formula: the right job, the right image, the right timeline. Over time, I grew out of that mindset, and I believe it has healed the way I think about succeeding. I am starting to see so many young people who are taking charge and realizing how important it is for them to live their truth and embrace every part of who they are. I show up to my business meeting dressed in pink, and nine times out of 10, you’ll catch me in a pink outfit. I do this because it just reminds me of how important it is to feel confident, that’s my true power, and I don’t think I’ll ever tone it down. At this age, we realize that authenticity attracts people like a magnet. When you are so uniquely yourself, people will pay attention to you.
3. Viewing Networking as Collaboration, Not Competition
I think we’re starting to view networking as an opportunity to get together and build a community. No one has time for fake or transactional relationships; the feeling of being used is so draining, especially when we’re all trying to make it in this world. I’m so happy to see that when we start networking with each other, it’s not just about exchanging business cards, it’s about checking in with each other. The idea of “every person for themselves” is extremely outdated. There is nothing I love more than seeing others win, and I love when people I’ve gotten to become friends with want to see me do well. You start to realize that success is amplified when we begin to show up for each other. In a lot of start-ups, you’ll see how eager young entrepreneurs are when it comes to collaborating with seasoned professionals. As someone who is also a musician, I’ve seen that in more creative spaces, you’ll see the exact same thing with peers sharing your work and introducing it to new audiences. In activism, it’s the same thing where you have young leaders coming together and forming coalitions that bring attention to marginalized voices and drive change.
4. Learning How to Pivot
For young adults, success is not tied to sticking to one path. Success is about having the courage to pivot when something no longer contributes to our growth. For a long time, leaving your job, switching careers or dropping side hustles was seen as a failure. Instead, we can celebrate those choices and see them as brave. Pivoting does not mean you’re uncertain; it’s a reflection of your growth and self-awareness. My generation is showing that there is strength in letting go of what makes us too comfortable and going for things that feel right, even if it’s hard.
5. Turning Bold Choices into a Movement
My generation isn’t afraid to stand out and make bold choices and I genuinely believe that’s one of our greatest strengths. We’ve moved past the idea of climbing the traditional ladder; it’s about pursuing your passions and living a life that is true to you. What I love about us the most is how unapologetically authentic we are. We’re not afraid to embrace who we are and in doing so, we are able to inspire others to do the same.
Authenticity is such a strong force, and it’s changing the world around us. Success for us isn’t just personal, it’s collective. It’s about creating a positive impact, lifting others up and leaving the world better than how we found it. We’re not afraid to call out injustice, challenge older systems and fix problems of our past. We’re proving that boldness and integrity are able to coexist. That’s exactly what we’re doing at Pinks. Pinks is not just a brand, but a mindset that will one day become a movement. We believe that standing out and standing up for what’s right aren’t just values, but necessities. We want to be the ones that redefine what it means to live with purpose.
How do you navigate the challenges of innovation and change while staying true to your values and vision for success?
I am so grateful to have such a strong support system on my side while I lead my team through understanding what challenges can come with staying innovative and moving with change. It requires a soft balance between adaptability and authenticity. It starts with understanding what Pinks stands for: sustainability, quality and empowerment. These core values are what guide me and every decision I make no matter how big or small. I like to focus on how remaining innovative can take our company far while we stay true to our values. Change will always be inevitable, especially in an industry that is so fast-paced like cannabis. I’ve learned to see challenges as an opportunity instead of a hurdle. I’m so proud of how far Pinks has come at the end of the day.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would focus on elevating everyday wellness. This would be an initiative to make mental, physical and emotional well-being accessible and approachable to everyone. The goal would be to break down stigmas, especially around using natural and sustainable products like cannabis, and create safe spaces for self-care and community connection.
This initiative would include workshops, events and online platforms where people could learn about holistic wellness practices, sustainable living and the importance of mindful consumption. It would also support other women-owned cannabis brands and other under-represented voices in the wellness industry. My initiative would remind people that taking care of themselves is important. If we’re able to foster self-care on an individual level, we can create healthier and more compassionate communities around the world.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Follow me on Instagram! My handle is @puffinpinks and I am always posting about new product drops and events. I also have a website, and that is pinksproduct.com.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Future Leaders: Ali Bianco Of Pinks Products On How Ambitious Young Adults Are Redefining Success was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.